COLORFUL DECISION MAKING

Making decisions about color can be overwhelming. As artists/crafters, we are compelled to make decisions regarding color, often on an hourly basis. At the very least, we must make these decisions each time we select yarn for a project. In fact, I often find myself choosing a project based on the colors of yarn I have in my stash rather than choosing a project and purchasing yarn for it.

Outside influences often determine what colors I’ll work with. When I’m out and about and see something particularly attractive – a floral arrangement, someone’s outfit, a still life painting, a friend’s new decor – that will make me want to run home, pull those color yarns out, and get crocheting!

However, I’m NOT a person who’s good with color. It takes those outside influences, often, for me to pull together a good color combination. My mom, a former oil painter who’s now almost blind, can still match colors in an amazing way. I can show her a pair of pants in my closet and she can match them perfectly hours or days later at the mall while shopping for a ‘matching’ top. Not me. I can barely match the items when I have both of them in front of me!

When I was quilting, years ago, I first learned all the ways a color wheel could help me. One can pick out complementary colors, harmonious colors, and contrasting colors in a flash using a color wheel. And, while computer monitors are notoriously variable in their reproduction of color, we can use the color wheels and other color tools available online to assist in making our color choices.

Here’s a link I like although it’s intent is as a tool for technical uses other than crochet.

http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorschemes.asp offers a selection of predetermined color palettes.

http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp#wizard is a tool for using a single starting color to create a palette.

Here’s a color wheel you can put in your purse or project bag to make color selection easier for you:

http://www.createforless.com/The+Color+Wheel+Co.+Color+Wheel+9+1/4/pid63156.aspx?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse

Available at lots of quilting and arts & crafts stores as well as online sources like createforless.com.

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.

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